Over the 2 years that I’ve been blogging I’ve met a lot of interesting people, many of whom I would consider close friends. One of the most interesting people that I have met in that time is one of the talented staff writers on this blog, Jason Mitchener. Jason is a talented writer, contributing tens of devotionals to this site over the past year, many of which were extremely moving, and poignant.
As Christians, we sometimes forget that this earth is not our home. Our home is heaven. If we listen with our hearts, we can hear heaven calling us. A great homesickness stirs within us as we draw closer to God. Thoughts of home cheer the weary traveler. – Jason Mitchener
It is with a heavy heart that today I have to relay the news that Jason Mitchener has passed away at the young age of 39. I heard the news on Twitter yesterday that Jason had passed over to his eternal reward around 10pm on Wednesday night. Jason had been struggling with some health issues lately, and had been hospitalized, but I didn’t realize that his current hospitalization was this serious. It was truly a shock to hear that he was gone.
He Was “Just Passing Through”
Jason Mitchener was born with a rare neuromuscular disease that confined him to an electric wheelchair and required him to use a ventilator to breathe. His body was confined, but his spirit soared free, he touched the lives of so many people. He was an artist, a songwriter, a writer, a motivational speaker and a powerful witness for Christ. He will be sorely missed.
After I heard the news that Jason had passed away, I again started reading through the devotionals that he had written for this site. One of them truly struck me as being even more meaningful after hearing news of his death. I thought I’d share it here. It was called “Just Passing Through” and was originally published in March of this year.
All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. – Hebrews 11:13
As Christians, we sometimes forget that this earth is not our home. Our home is heaven.
If we listen with our hearts, we can hear heaven calling us. A great homesickness stirs within us as we draw closer to God. Thoughts of home cheer the weary traveler.
Oh, the joy of knowing deep in our hearts that we are just passing through!
So often we treat this earth like our home. We focus on our life here like it’s our eternal residence. We foolishly act like a traveler spending a week in a hotel room and using his time to put up new curtains, lay down carpeting, and paint the walls.
We can get caught up in laying down roots where God never meant us to be planted. We store up treasures on earth instead of treasures in heaven. We check out changes in the stock market more often than we take stock of our relationship with God. We invest in the temporary when eternity awaits us.
Like any traveler, we need a map to help us find our way. God has graciously given us a map in his Word. The Bible clearly points the way home; we just need to take the time to look. But many believe they can travel without a map. They think they know the way, until they find themselves hopelessly lost.
Even when travelers have a map, they often need advice from those who have journeyed that way before. Experienced travelers can help the newer ones avoid making wrong turns. They can point out sights to see along the way. They even warn of dangers to avoid. And when the journey seems long, they gently remind us that home lies just ahead.
– Jason Mitchener
Oh weary traveler, you’re finally home. Well done good and faithful servant. We’ll miss you Jason.
Read More Of Jason’s Writing
If you want to read some more of Jason’s touching devotionals, you can read them by going to any of the links below:
Thanks so much for sharing the sad news Pete. Though I didn’t get to know him, it sounds like Jason had a pretty good grip on what life was about.
As Christians it’s always bittersweet when a fellow brother or sister dies because we miss them sorely, yet we know there is great celebration and joy they are experiencing this very moment when they get to see the King face to face and worship Him for all He’s done!
“Thoughts of home cheer the weary traveler.” – I love that!
My prayers are with the family today.
That was beautiful man. What a brilliant, and passionate, writer! Makes me sad I didn’t get to know him while passing through this life…perhaps I’ll find him when Im home too :)
My heartfelt condolences go out to his friends and family…. I always enjoyed his posts here at Bible Money Matters – he had a great understanding of the things that are truly important and wrote them eloquently. He will be missed!
Wow, what a shock to hear! Our time here is precious. Thanks for sharing his writing here and letting readers get to know Jason. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
What a beautiful tribute to your friend. The devotional you reprinted brought tears to my eyes.
Prayers of comfort for his family and friends.
Sad news, but only for those of us left behind. As you said he is now in His presence… at his true home.
My condolences.
No Debt Plan´s last post ..Interesting Links for December 17, 2009
That’s sad to hear. My condolences to his family and friends. Although Jason knew he was just passing through, like the rest of us, it sounds like he didn’t let that stop him from making an impact while he was here.
Shawanda´s last post ..The Last 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying Anything
My condolences, to both you and his family. As hard as it may be, just remember how much joy and happiness he has brought to you, your readers and his family.
Evan´s last post ..I Don’t Think I Get PF Blogging
I’m very sorry to hear of his death. A nice tribute!
Very sorry to hear about his death. A respectable tribute for a man that deserved it. Definitely makes me appreciate what I have even more.
Studenomist´s last post ..Living Paycheck to Paycheck Problems
“As Christians, we sometimes forget that this earth is not our home. Our home is heaven.”
How sad it is that as much as we may recite and know this (intellectually), emotionally we can’t seem to embrace it until we experience the death of a friend or family member. Only then does it move to the front of conciousness.
I’m sorry to hear of your loss, but you’ve been blessed to know and have been influenced by such a person. In the meantime, it’s “until we meet again”! At least we have that hope!
Kevin@OutOfYourRut´s last post ..Making Work-At-Home Work For You
A fitting tribute to a good and faithful servant…
That which was mortal has been clothed in immortality, to dwell forever in the presence of our one true King. What a testimony of faith and faithfulness!
-NCN
NCN´s last post ..The Best Thing About My Old Truck
Thanks Peter for sharing this tribute to your friend. It appears that he didn’t let his handicap or disability prevent him from leaving his mark on this world. I have been inspired by the devotionals he’s written. This world will miss him, but he’s gone on to his permanent home.
Thanks pete for sharing this- I hadn’t heard. I didn’t know him, but knew of him and enjoyed his writing he did for you- now we just need to lift up his family in prayer.
ChristianPF´s last post ..New credit card legislation coming soon – interest rates rise, limits go down